As FIFA takes over Commonwealth Stadium residents in the area are raising concerns about parking problems.
“Even though the City gives them tickets they still park here,” said Quinn Smith, who has lived in the neighbourhood all his life.
“They think they are the boss of the road. They park wherever they want.”
“It's annoying and you know I don't want people to stop supporting our sporting events. I really don't,” Denise L'Heureux said.
She explained it was frustrating for residents in the area when they return home.
“Quite often you’ll come back and there is no parking available. There is absolutely nothing on the street and no place to park, which means we have to try and find a place in the area, which could be several blocks away from your home.”
L'Heureux also questions whether enough has been done to inform drivers about the City’s parking policy in the area.
“I am thinking when they buy their tickets they should have a little thing that goes along with it that says ‘This is what you need to do if you need to go to the football stadium for an event. Here is where you can go to park.’ Similar to what they do at Heritage Days.”
The City Complaints & Investigation Director told CTV News it was a balancing act between encouraging Edmontonians to attend events and respecting the residents in the area.
“We do want people to be respectful of the communities but at the same time we want them to come and enjoy the events that are happening at Commonwealth,” Ryan Pleckaitis said.
“We do have parking enforcement officers that will be patrolling in the residential neighbourhoods surrounding Commonwealth dealing with on-street parking issues.
“Obviously when Canada is playing we will have an enforcement presence in the neighbourhood, but we will be there for other games as well throughout the duration of the tournament.”
Drivers who park in the area without a permit face a $75 ticket and may have their vehicles towed.
Residents who are caught selling parking will face fines upwards of $800.
With files from Amanda Anderson
